Tuesday, December 31, 2013

LAKEHEAD FINISHES 3-0 AT RUNIT

The men's basketball team completed the Ryerson University National Invitational Tournament (RUNIT) with a 83-67 win over the Sheridan Bruins on Monday afternoon, as they went a perfect 3-0 in the non-conference event.

Henry Tan provided the spark for the Pack on this occasion, scoring 19 first half points and finished with a game high 28 to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

After leading 34-23 at the half, Lakehead would be challenged by an undersized, yet speedy Sheridan team whose full court pressure in the second half caused problems for Lakehead's backcourt. Several turnovers led to easy buckets for the Bruins who kept the game close, several times closing to within 5 points of the T-Wolves.

The Bruins out-scored Lakehead 24-19 in the third quarter to trail by 6 heading into the fourth.

The game would remain close until the final 5 minutes, with Lakehead leading 67-62 and Sheridan getting desperate, the Bruins committed some costly turnovers and subsequent fouls. The Thunderwolves hit the majority of their free throws and closed out the game with a convincing victory, despite a very pesky Bruins' effort that forced Lakehead into 28 turnovers.

Anthony McIntosh completed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and got help from Igor Lebov who added 13 points and 9 rebounds. The two forwards were very active on the offensive glass, combining for 10 offensive rebounds. Jamar Coke scored 11 points with 8 rebounds, adding to a large rebounding advantage (22) for Lakehead, 54-32 on the game.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We had moments of complacency during parts of the game and panicked a bit under pressure but we battled through and got stops and key rebounds when needed them. It's always a positive when you go 3-0 over the Christmas break and hopefully we can keep this momentum going in the 2nd half of conference play."

The T-Wolves play next in the Thunderdome on January 10 against Waterloo.

Lakehead is now 9-0 over the last 3 "holiday" tournaments. (UQAM 2011, Winnipeg 2012, Ryerson 2013).